Stay Alert for Scams

• Tips to avoid a phishing scam

  Phishing scams trick online users into giving away sensitive information such as online banking username and login. Fraudsters might send emails or text messages claiming to be a legitimate institution asking for personal information, and they’ll often use urgent language.

  Bank Midwest never asks customers for private information such as a Social Security number, ID, address, username or password. Do not open or respond to any such emails, from us or from anyone else, and never send that information through email to anyone.

  Other tips to help you avoid online phishing:

  • Don’t respond to emails, open links or download attachments from unknown senders.
  • Don’t open file attachments from known senders that are sent without any context. This could be a sign that the contact’s email has been hacked and the perpetrator’s using it to spread malware.
  • Never send sensitive information over email.

  If you’re worried about the validity of an email or text message sent on behalf of Bank Midwest, contact us directly at 888.902.5662.

• Requests you might receive from a scammer

  Someone you don’t know calls you and asks for personal or banking information.

  They’re most likely a scammer trying to collect personal information. If a caller claims to be from an established organization such as a hospital, a charity, or a law enforcement agency, look up the number of the organization yourself and call back.

  They claim an emergency and/or insist on secrecy.

  Scammers try to get you to take action quickly without assessing the situation long enough to realize it’s a scam. It’s a red flag if they discourage you from seeking information, verification, support and counsel from family, friends or trusted advisers before making a financial transaction.

  They ask for your account password.

  Legitimate businesses will never ask for your account passwords, so don’t give them out.

• Common examples of phone scams

  ‘This is the IRS, you owe us money.’

  The IRS will almost never call you, and they certainly won’t ask for your debit card number over the phone so you can pay off your taxes. The same applies for most government agencies. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the government, and that person is requesting personal information, hang up.

  ‘We can fix your Google business listing.’

  Maybe, but they most likely just want to get some information from you. Don’t give it to them.

  ‘We need to confirm your loan details.’

  There’s no reason that a legitimate lender would need to randomly confirm your loan details. The scammer may even tell you that this is for your own security, or that there has been suspicious activity. Hang up. And if you’re in doubt, call your lender.

  ‘We need to reset your password.’

  One of the most common examples is the fake password reset. A fraudster pretends to be your bank and claims that you must reset your password. They might include a link that navigates to a fake password reset page intended to steal your login information. Don’t fall for this trick. Call your bank directly if you ever have any questions.

• Additional Resources

  Federal Trade Commission

  OnGuard Online

  FDIC Consumer Protection

  FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator